Fight for child heart surgery to continue

With eight weeks to go before a decision is made on the national reconfiguration of services, supporters of Leeds Children’s Hospital gathered for a final push for support.

Parents of children treated in Leeds were backed by MPs Rachel Reeves, Greg Mulholland and Stuart Andrew.

They said the fight would continue despite suggestions that future services would be concentrated in Newcastle or Liverpool.

The Children’s Heart Surgery Fund is encouraging people to write to MPs and ask for their letters to be sent to the Government.

Children’s Heart Surgery Fund director Sharon Cheng said yesterday: “This event is to remind people that no decision has yet been made.

“It is not too late for members of the public to have their say on a matter which affects so many children in and around Yorkshire. The unit in Leeds provides an exemplary service and has proven vital is saving the lives of countless children. The loss of the unit in Leeds would cause a big hole in the heart of Yorkshire children’s heart surgery and we need all the support we can get to save our surgery.”

Tory MP for Pudsey Stuart Andrew said: “Leeds has everything going for it. We have to make that case.”

Under the current review, Leeds features in one of four options being considered. A decision is expected on November 17.